We dropped in on a Josh McDaniels conference call, during which he was rather uncomfortable answering questions about the job some people are convinced is his for the taking, others doubt he will be offered, and still others think he will turn down.

Our take: At this point, if we're betting on a guy to be introduced as Chud's replacement, it's him.

We left a speech by ex-Browns head coach Sam Rutigliano to catch the conference call. We talked to Sam after the speech. He was very emphatic about what Jimmy Haslam should do, an interesting story we will share next.

BY STEVE DOERSCHUK

Repository sports writer

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels confirmed the Browns tracked him down over the weekend, and he left the door on meeting again.

"Yeah, we met," the former Canton McKinley quarterback said during a conference call today, and that's about all there is at this point, and nothing further."

Key words: "... at this point."

McDaniels was clearly reluctant to say much about his candidacy to be the Browns' next head coach. His team is preparing for a playoff game against the Colts.

"I appreciate the question," he said. "I understand it. Umm ... I know ... I know that's something, um, that comes up each time this year for other coaches. The opportunities are certainly flattering if they come up.

"That being said, I'm going to try top keep my focus on the Colts and our preparation this week.

"Like I've said in the past, I'm fortunate to have the job I have. I love being here. I love doing what I'm doing.

"Each opportunity that comes along is a little different and (hesitating) I'm going to leave it at that."

McDaniels, 37, is serving his second shift as Bill Belichick's offensive coordinator in New England.

He was head coach of the Broncos in 2009 and for 12 games in 2010 before he was fired.

He began working for Belichick in 2001, seven years after he was a senior quarterback at McKinley. He is well acquainted with Browns general manager Michael Lombardi, who worked with Belichick in Cleveland from 1991-95.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was part of the weekend interview with McDaniels. McDaniels declined an interview last year, when the Browns hired Rob Chudzinski.